Clyde Munro Dental Group understands the challenges dentists face in the first few years of their careers. Not only does the group strive to create friendly and inclusive practice environments, but there is also a considerable amount of additional support available. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Flying Start Programme offered to early career dentists.

This year, this included an exclusive trip to the Dentsply Sirona Innovation Centre in Germany.

The Flying Start Programme

The year-long programme consists of several training days that enable clinicians to learn new skills and consolidate their knowledge so far. It affords an opportunity to engage with more experienced peers, to seek their advice for specific clinical challenges and to interact with colleagues who are in the same situation.  

Topics covered during the programme include the digital workflow, smile design, orthodontics and occlusion, with well-respected and talented dentists presenting both theoretical and hands-on sessions. Participants also receive priority access to courses available through the dedicated Clyde Munro Advanced Dentistry & Clinical Skills Centre, clinical support when back in front of patients and assistance with other areas of practice life to ensure a seamless transition to dental associate.

A trip to remember

Dentists taking part in the Flying Start Programme 2024 also had the fantastic opportunity to visit the Dentsply Sirona Innovation Centre in Bensheim, Germany. This visit was about discovering the latest digital solutions on the market and learning how to make the very most of the features on offer. The ultimate goal was to help the visiting clinicians deliver the highest standard of patient care, boosting their competence and confidence while using innovative technologies in practice.

Delegate Dr Stuart Collier, commented:

“It’s been a really interesting day to see all the new technology. This included the new PrimeScan, an intraoral scanner that has just come to market, and the CEREC, which I don’t have in the practice just now, so that was brand-new to me and really interesting.”

Discovery and troubleshooting

While exploring the technology, delegates learnt how to fully utilise the equipment, but also how to maintain it. The product experts demonstrated an array of situations where using the right tools for the right job will minimise the risk of or solve common issues.

This was a key benefit for one of the attendees, Amanda Bassey-Duke, who commented:

“This trip has given me the knowledge to understand if this is a problem, this is how I can fix it and how to troubleshoot my way through a lot of things. This event has provided the ability for everyone to come together, to enjoy each other’s company and hear about what we all do in practice. Dentistry is very solitary – you can be in your room, just you and your dental nurse – so it’s good to see how other people do things and why. This doesn’t happen anywhere else so I’m really grateful for the opportunity. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips and I’m going to leave here dreaming of what’s possible.”

A digital future

Technology is playing a massive role in the delivery of high-quality patient care today and this is only going to increase with time. Various digital solutions are already available across Clyde Munro practices, enabling dentists to provide accurate, predictable and effective dental treatment for a wide range of patients. 

Working with leading technology providers like Dentsply Sirona is a sign of the group’s commitment to investing in this field for its dentists and its patients. The visit to Germany echoes more of the same – which is why delegates on the Flying Start Programme for 2025 will also get this opportunity.

Delegate Bronagh Wishart summarised her experience:

“It’s been amazing learning about all the new advances in digital technology in dentistry. I think it’s really exciting for the future. Thanks to Clyde Munro for having us, it’s been such a great couple of days. I look forward to getting back to practice and using all the skills that we learned.”

The trip to Germany is scheduled again for 2025, providing more newly qualified with an opportunity to advance their knowledge and confidence in digital dentistry.

To find out more about the Flying Start Programme and career development opportunities available at Clyde Munro, please visit careers.clydemunrodental.com/flying-start-programme/.

No matter what stage you have reached in your career, there are many benefits to be enjoyed when relocating to work in a new practice. Especially in Scotland, such a move can afford a completely new type of lifestyle and give you access to some of the most beautiful natural environments in the UK.

Take the archipelago Orkney as a prime example. A hidden gem in northern Scotland, this part of the world boasts a stunningly rugged landscape with rolling hills and pristine sandy beaches. Whether you love hiking, photography and art, wildlife watching, history and archaeology, diving, kayaking, cycling, sampling fresh local food or relaxing on the beach, Orkney has it all! The town also boosts a vibrant culture with a thriving music scene, cosy pubs and various festivals to get involved with throughout the year. The laid-back island lifestyle means it’s like being on holiday all the time!

Orkney is also more accessible than many people think. A short ferry or flight gets to you the mainland, with public transport and road links to popular places like Aberdeen and Dundee. 

In addition, the island life can be hugely beneficial for your clinical advancement too. Particularly important for dentists and dental therapists earlier on in their careers, working in a more remote location means you will develop a broad array of skills, care for patients with a comprehensive range of needs and be exposed to a phenomenal breadth of clinical situations. You will work alongside and learn from exceptional practitioners who know what it takes to be an excellent all-round clinician, with outstanding support available from other team members as well.

For practices in locations such as Orkney, we offer a fixed-term opportunity for associate dentists and dental therapists to experience island life for 12 or 24 months, as well as permanent positions. This gives you the flexibility to try different rural locations to find the right place for you and your family.

Completing this term also qualifies most professionals for the NHS one-off bonus of £25k (T&Cs apply). In addition, there is a £9k remote and rural annual payment for professionals who relocate to such regions. Further support is also available from Clyde Munro, including help finding accommodation and settling in with access to our established network of people and resources.

So, if you’re looking for a change of pace while gaining unique opportunities to advance and broaden your clinical skills, consider working in Clyde Munro’s Orkney locations. Breath-taking scenery, copious outdoor pursuits, gorgeous sandy beaches and a whole new lifestyle await you!

Rural or city location? Experience it all with Clyde Munro!

Are you looking for a change of pace? Would you like to live and work in a place that gives you pure joy every time you go outside or look out the window? Are you struggling to choose between green landscapes or a more urban environment?

Now you don’t have to with our exciting new Discovery Programme!

This innovative scheme gives dentists an opportunity to experience working and living in different stunning locations across Scotland, without compromising job stability. Think of it like a try before you buy arrangement ­– you can work in a practice on a beautiful remote island for 6 months and then relocate to a city for the next 6 months to see which you enjoy more. The scheme operates with short fixed-term contracts, providing the right mix of stability and opportunity for change.

At Clyde Munro, we appreciate just how much it takes to relocate for work and so designed this programme as a way for clinicians and their families to get a taster of the life they are considering. You can see exactly what it would be like to move, with far fewer risks. If you don’t like a location, or it doesn’t suit your family for whatever reasons, you can try somewhere else. Alternatively, if you fall in love with the practice and/or town you are trialling, you can stay indefinitely and begin the process of permanently moving, confident in the knowledge that you are making the right decision for you.

The Clyde Munro Discovery Programme is also a fantastic way to experience first-hand the huge diversity that Scotland has to offer. Want to go hiking in the mountains every week? Interested in exciting new mountain bike trails? Looking to ski or snowboard all winter? Maybe you’re interested in living amongst the beauty of a Scottish city steeped in history? Or perhaps you would like an eclectic music scene or sandy beaches on your doorstep? Scotland has all of this and more, so all your hobbies and interests, old and new, are well and truly covered!

Of course, the opportunity to work in various practices and with different patients means you can broaden and expand your clinical experience too. You will also have the chance to work alongside new clinical and non-clinical staff, making new friends while continuing to operate within the familiar Clyde Munro workflows utilised across all locations.

Whether you are taking a sabbatical from your current job, or are already looking to move to Scotland and haven’t decided where, you can experience everything that Scotland and Clyde Munro have to offer with the exciting Discovery Programme. No matter what kind of lifestyle you dream of, now you can bring the vision to life. Your clinical skills are a passport around Scotland, it’s time to use it!

To express interest in this programme, complete this form.

The dental therapist is a crucial member of the practice team today. There are several factors that need to be considered for individuals to fulfil their potential and build a long and successful career. These include properly utilising their full scope of practice, being valued for their skills across the practice team and having access to first-class education and training. We all have a part to play in increasing awareness of the dental therapist’s role among the professional team, ultimately improving patient care, enhancing skill mix in practices and boosting job satisfaction for individuals in this role. 

Promoting a team approach

To ensure dental therapists feel valued and able to fulfil their potential, it’s important that dentists understand their clinical remit. Not only do they need to know which treatments dental therapists can provide directly to patients, but they also need to consider how they may work in tandem with dental associates. Effective collaboration between team members can facilitate smoother daily workflows, create a more clinically diverse working day and ensure a less isolated working environment for other clinicians. It can also streamline emergency appointments and free up precious time for dentists to focus on other areas of dentistry such as implantology or endodontics.

Of course, is it just as relevant to consider how dental therapists can impact the patient experience. For a start, improved teamwork among all practice practitioners means faster, more efficient and often more effective dental care for patients. The majority of patients are already happy to see the dental therapist for a simple restoration, so there should be few barriers from them as a practice increases their dental therapy services. Patient satisfaction with treatment provided by dental therapists has been positive as well. Many of the same factors apply as would impact patient satisfaction with care from a dentist ­– with trust and familiarity proving essential. These can be established and developed through professional behaviours and attitudes, good communication and smooth continuity of care. 

Once dentists and other colleagues really understand how the dental therapist works, they can all operate within a workable business model that enhances patient care and boosts business profitability.

Although there has historically been a lack of understanding in the field, perceptions are gradually evolving. Regulatory changes are also being implemented that broaden the scope for both dental hygienists and therapists, who may now supply and administer specific medicines without a prescription from a dentist, once they have sufficient training and experience.

Being the change we want to see

In order for dental therapists to use their entire scope of practice, they must be confident and competent in their skills. For those who are new to the profession, or who have been unable to practise dental therapy in recent years, it can be difficult to adjust. That’s why it’s beneficial to access tailored training and support that will consolidate, develop and refresh your capabilities in a positive environment.

At Clyde Munro, we strive to be the change we want to see in the profession. We understand the importance of the dental therapist role and aim to remove barriers so that professionals may fully utilise their expertise. Our dedicated Therapist Support Programme has been designed specifically to help dental therapists to consolidate and expand their skills, covering a broad range of topics in training sessions and offering hands-on assistance from a clinical support team.

Skill, confidence and success

For many dental therapists, the chance to fully utilise their skills is important. Not only is job satisfaction improved, so too is the quality of patient care that can be delivered by the whole practice team. If you are feeling under-utilised, now is the time to make a change. Reach out to joinus@clydemunrodental.com and start your new journey today!

There are many advantages afforded by digital dentistry for clinicians, team members and patients. The most important of these for the profession team is the ability of modern technology to streamline and simplify treatment workflows, increasing operational efficiency and enabling individuals to perform at their very best. The result is greater job satisfaction, improved collaboration between team members (and patients), and enhanced practice environments in which to work.

Digital solutions also increase the predictability and quality of clinical treatment delivered, which means improved outcomes and happier patients too!

Optimising digital workflows

In order to really harness the advantages of digital dentistry, at Clyde Munro we understand that our dentists need the right education and support. That’s why we provide various training opportunities to introduce our clinicians to new technology and help them become familiar with all equipment functionalities.

For early careers dentists, our Best Foot Forward and Flying Start programmes both cover digital dentistry. The dedicated training days introduce dentists in their initial years post-qualification to the world of digital dentistry in a practical and supported way. Our purpose-built Advanced Dentistry & Clinical Skills Centre also presents digital-focused training to dentists at all stages of their careers who are interested in updating and diversifying their treatment workflows with digital solutions.

Broad digital capabilities

To help our dentists meet the needs of all our patients, we provide and facilitate access to a wide range of technologies across the group. We continuously invest in our dentists, our practices and our patients, industry-leading, evidence-based technologies installed across our business. These include:

IOS

Intraoral scanning is becoming a staple in dental practices around the globe. We have introduced leading brands of solutions into our practices, optimising the treatment they can deliver while improving the professional workflow. We work with leading provider in the field, Dentsply Sirona, providing cutting-edge intraoral scanners for many of our dentists to utilise in every day dentistry. The Primescan is designed to be lightweight and ergonomic for easy handling, it facilitates versatile workflows, promotes optimal hygiene and ensures patient comfort.

CBCT

For dentists involved with more complex and multidisciplinary patient care, access to a CBCT scanner can be essential. We have the state-of-the-art machines located across our network, enabling our dentists to obtain the diagnostic information they need for enhanced anatomical visualisation and exceptional treatment planning and execution in a range of clinical indications.

AI-powered digital technology

Bringing our digital workflows to the cutting-edge of the profession, Clyde Munro dentists have access to AI-supported technologies for even greater benefits.

We implement Pearl Second Opinion^® within our practices, which provides AI-assisted support for clinicians reporting on radiographs. It highlights potential areas of concern or disease, allowing the clinician to correlate the data with their own findings for a confident diagnosis with nothing missed. It saves the dentist time and the report can be used to communicate with the patient and improve their understanding of their condition or treatment need as well. Patients are blown away by the technology and are typically more engaged with their oral health as a result for increased treatment acceptance.

We also use Dental Monitoring software throughout Clyde Munro practices. This supports orthodontic treatment by enabling or dentists to oversee patient’s treatment and confirm tooth movements remotely. Patients simply upload photos of their teeth throughout their treatment, which the dentist can check against the treatment plan to ensure all is progressing as expected. Any issues or concerns are identified immediately and can be rectified faster than may be possible with the traditional practice appointments. All of this means fewer practice visits for patients and enhanced efficiency for dentists and their teams – who have more time to spend with other patients. 

CHROME GuidedSmile

For dentists with experience within dental implantology, guided surgery can provide an easier and more reproducible approach to treatment. That’s why we introduced CHROME GuidedSmile.

This is patented software from the US that makes digital implant treatment design simpler, quicker and more predictable. It helps clinicians accurately determine the ideal position for a dental implant, improving both the surgical and restorative outcomes. The technology affords unparalleled visualisation of the treatment area, for enhanced treatment planning and minimal risk of complications. This, in turn, also bolsters clinical notes so that the dentist can clearly demonstrate the steps taken to ensure safe and effective treatment, should any questions or concerns arise later down the line. 

3D printing laboratory

To enable clinicians to provide their patients with high-quality restorations as quickly as possible, we have our own 3D printing laboratory.

This is a collaboration between Clyde Munro and OurCrown Dental, based in Glasgow. We provide fully digital solutions for partial and full dentures, mouthguards, whitening splints, occlusal splints, permanent crowns, and provisional bridge work. OurCrown provides the excellent design services, and we then 3D print, finish, and send the finished lab work to our practices. This efficient system enables cliinicians at Clyde Munro to provide the patients with the care they need, when they need it.

For many dentists providing dental implants, the pursuit of skill development often leads them into the field of guided surgery. The approach is touted as a minimally invasive, reproducible technique that reduces the clinical complications associated with implantology. To optimise outcomes while streamlining the professional workflow, it’s important that clinicians implement the right digital technology.

CHROME GuidedSmile is a patented tool from the US that makes digital implant treatment design simpler, quicker and more predictable. Callum Graham, Chief Clinical Officer and Head of Advanced Dentistry at Clyde Munro, says:

“CHROME helps clinicians to more accurately determine the ideal position for dental implants, making both the surgical and restorative processes easier, faster and more stable. It’s a highly robust consultation and planning solution that also allows dentists to demonstrate how they communicated treatment to patients during the consenting process. This affords benefits for both the dentist and their patients.”

For clinicians, this software supports the guided surgical workflow by optimising accuracy of implant placement. Valuable time is saved as fewer patient appointments are required and the risk of complications is reduced. It gives dentists unrivalled visualisation of the patient’s unique anatomy and eliminates the need to blindly drill into the bone as part of the surgical treatment. The restorative stage is also enhanced with the implant ideally positioned to support a highly functional and aesthetic restoration. What’s more, the technology facilitates a logical planning process that ensures all the important aspects of treatment are communicated with patients, including benefits, risks and limitations. As such, it provides an extra layer of medicolegal protection complete peace of mind.

Clyde Munro is a keen advocate for the complete digital workflow, having already made an array of technologies available to dentists across the group. Reflecting on how the CHROME solution integrated within the treatment planning process, Callum comments:

“This software is for clinicians who have at least some experience in dental implants and are looking to advance their skills into the guided surgery field. It fits seamlessly within our wider digital workflow, making life easier and faster for our dentists because it removes a lot of the most time-consuming part of the process. Whether clinicians have been providing dental implants for two years or 20, CHROME helps to minimise the risk of surgical and restorative complications.

“Digital dentistry is a big part of how we work at Clyde Munro. We already have more than 70 intraoral scanners across 56 of our practices, ensuring we facilitate a completely digital workflow. For dental implant treatment, pre-operative scans, CT scans and clinical photographs are all sent digitally to the lab. CHROME can then be used to plan implant treatment and restorative solutions are 3D printed or manufactured using other modern techniques.”

For any clinicians wanting to develop their skills in guided implantology, it’s important to first obtain sufficient experience with the traditional workflow. Surgical skills and knowledge are important for dentists to safely and successfully implement guided workflows. From there, Clyde Munro offers an array of training opportunities, as Callum explains:

“It’s a natural transition for dentists to move from single implant cases and small bridges onto multiple unit and full arch cases. Guided surgery supports this progression even further. Clyde Munro is offering a two-day training course for any of our dentists who would like to utilise the new software for their patients. Day one of the course is hands-on and day two is a live surgery. This is the first time this training has been delivered outside the US and Ireland, and the software provider has tailored it specifically for Clyde Munro dentists so it’s a fantastic opportunity for our clinicians. We will also ensure that dentists have access to as many support and mentoring sessions as they require to become totally comfortable with the procedure and workflow. In addition, there are plans to expand the training to include dental nurses as well, ensuring that the entire team is confident in enabling guided implant surgery.”

CHROME GuidedSmile is just one way in which Clyde Munro is investing in digital dentists and supporting high standards of dental care.

Want to join a dental group where digital dentistry is at the forefront of what we do? Explore our career opportunities today!

The jump from university into a practice environment can be daunting for dental students, but having the right support will make a significant difference to their learning experience. This is about more than simply being exposed to the dental system, as well as new patients, and new clinical situations.

Clyde Munro is delighted to be able to support newly graduated dentists whilst they complete their Vocational Training (VT) year. This support is packaged into a structured scheme known as the Best Foot Forward programme, which provides dedicated training events and additional support to help clinicians safely and effectively consolidate and advance their skills. It gives them access to topics that help equip them for joining general practice as an associate, as well as allowing them a chance to network with their colleagues.

The most recent programme was very well attended by Clyde Munro VTs and very positive feedback has been received. The VTs clearly found the topics beneficial, really providing them with a deeper understanding of the opportunities available as they join the dental profession.

Dr Lucy Mason recently completed the Best Foot Forward programme with Clyde Munro, and says:

“It was really good to be involved with the programme and to have the opportunity to attend the events that were put on. These enabled me to learn new information and refresh my existing knowledge, which is helpful as a VT because you’re learning new things all the time.

“What I found most beneficial was having access to the highly knowledgeable speakers. We had a nice small group which allowed us to ask questions and learn from their expertise in an informal and productive way. The session about becoming an associate, talking through finances and the self-employed structure was really helpful as I hadn’t received much information on this previously during the VT year.

“Everyone at Clyde Munro was very supportive and there were always new opportunities to participate in. I’m looking forward to utilising the Flying Start Programme next year as I continue developing my confidence. I would encourage other VTs and young graduates to get involved in order to broaden their skills as much as possible.”

In addition to the topics Lucy mentioned, her fellow VTs also found the session on AI (artificial intelligence) technology and the benefits of using this with radiographs and communication with patients extremely helpful. This topic also showcased Clyde Munro’s investment in innovation and newly qualified dentists, with cutting-edge technology made available to all clinicians in practice.

Nicola Logan, Chief People Officer for Clyde Munro, added:

“The Best Foot Forward programme has been a great success and working with our newly qualified dentists is something that is so important to the group. We want to support the future of dentistry in Scotland and we are keen to listen and improve the programme year on year. This means developing our training within digital technology and promoting the importance of wellbeing for our newly qualified dentists. We are invested in improving the support we provide to clinicians. There is a lot of pressure put on this generation and we need to make sure, as a leader within Scottish dentistry, that we have the right mechanisms in place to help and support our dentists when they need it.”

In November 2024, we will welcome the third cohort of VT dentists joining Clyde Munro’s best Foot Forward programme. It will consist of three educational and networking sessions over the course of the year. This includes training on digital workflows, AI technology and digital 3D printing; insight into the financials of being a self-employed associate; diary management; working with a dental therapist; and an invite to ClydeFest our very own internal group event to celebrate our newly qualified dentists. This is a dedicated networking event with a mixture of VTs from both within and outside of the Clyde Munro group.

We hope by providing this support, we can encourage many of our VT dentists to join the group and begin their career with us. Perhaps even joining us on our second internal programme; the Flying Start programme for early career dentists!

Ultimately, the Best Foot Forward programmes provides newly qualified dentists with an insight into the opportunities and investments they can take advantage of to further their career development. For more details, contact the team today.

To learn more about this programme, visit careers.clydemunrodental.com/best-foot-forward-programme/

In the fast-paced world of dentistry, stress can often loom large. Yet, for some, the rigours of the profession are met with an unexpected ally: sports and physical fitness. We sat down with one of our Associate Dentists, Rachael Dinsmore, to discuss the profound impact of sports on mental health and stress management.

Can you tell us more about your recent achievements in sports, particularly your completion of the Deeside Way Ultra Marathon and Hyrox?

I completed my first Hyrox event in Glasgow at the start of March (Hyrox is a functional fitness competition combining running 1km x8, with functional strength stations between the running). Six days later, I completed my second ultra marathon, The Deeside Way Ultra. It was 33.33 miles from Aberdeen to Banchory and back. I have since signed up for another Hyrox event in November, this time in Dublin. They were two mega-tough endurance events, so thankfully, I only have much shorter events (10kms) for the rest of this year.

How do you balance such intense physical activities with your career in dentistry?

This can be a struggle when working full time, but you have to be disciplined and consistent and prioritise your time. This has often meant 5 am alarms to get long training runs in! I either try to get my strength training sessions in before work at 8 am or on my lunch break at 1 pm. As I like to spend my evenings relaxing with my dog and husband. Striking the balance also means listening to your body and trying to fuel it as best as possible, and I do like to get my 8 hours of sleep in a night to help with recovery.

You mentioned that high-intensity and endurance training help you manage the daily stresses of dentistry. Could you elaborate on how physical activity contributes to your overall wellbeing and stress management?

Being fit and healthy certainly helps in a fast-paced working environment. My strength certainly comes in useful with tricky extractions. Being a full-time mainly NHS dentist could be an endurance sport in itself! I have been focusing on a lot of powerlifting, and I hope to enter my first competition soon. I have found that the strength that I have developed in this discipline has helped me maintain good posture, which I hope will stave off any future neck and back occupational pains. Some of the major benefits of strength training include supporting musculoskeletal health and improving heart health.

Hopefully, this will reduce the impacts of natural ageing processes like weakening bones. Being ten years into this demanding career, I need to look after my body and my mind if I want longevity within my career.

Dentistry is often considered a high-stress profession. How has incorporating sports and fitness into your routine positively impacted your ability to cope with this stress?

Dentistry is, without a doubt, a high-stress profession. I have found exercise to be a powerful tool to destress. Being active has many physical benefits but is also so good for your mind. When I’ve been out for a run before the working day starts, it makes me feel invigorated and accomplished—ready to take on whatever the day has in store. I also love walking my dog in the evenings after a busy day, as time to unwind and decompress.

From your experience, what specific benefits have you noticed regarding mental health and stress reduction since engaging in regular physical activity?

Having taken part in different sports over recent years, whether CrossFit, endurance running events, boxing or powerlifting – they have all helped strengthen my mental resilience. Being able to stay calm under pressure is definitely an attribute most dentists can appreciate needing to use daily.

It is all too easy to overthink or have anxious thoughts; training or having event goals helps manage and alleviate negative patterns of thought by giving me a positive focus and driving my physical self-performance. Having wins, no matter how small, helps with self-esteem and mood because I’ve found by challenging myself that I grow in confidence.

What advice would you give to other dental professionals who may be struggling to find ways to manage stress in their profession?

Be kind to yourself and make time to unwind. It is so important to look after your own wellbeing if you want to be fit enough to care for your patients in the future. Even if physical activity isn’t for you just yet, there are other ways to try to manage your stress—ask friends for book recommendations, get out in the garden, call a family member for a catch-up, or try a new audiobook or podcast. Just reach out, as support will always be available.

How do you suggest individuals find activities that work best for them?

Put yourself out there to try new things. Remember that everyone was once a beginner. I am not the best at what I do, but I enjoy it, and that’s what’s important to me. You’ll never manage to maintain a new hobby if you’re actually not enjoying it. You could try getting a coach to help keep you accountable or bring a friend for support.

In what ways do you think the dental profession as a whole could better promote the importance of physical activity among its members?

In busy practices, there are always so many time pressures. You need to know when to say no and be strict with yourself regarding timekeeping. Don’t over-stretch yourself trying to fit too much into one appointment for patients, and make sure your team knows how you want your appointment book to look. It is too easy when trying our best for our patients to let standards slip – not allowing yourself a full lunch break or working beyond opening hours etc. You need to get out of the four walls of your surgery as often as possible. Working within a supportive team really helps this – an understanding that we are only human too!

Beyond stress reduction, have you noticed any other professional or personal benefits from maintaining an active lifestyle?

Being active or having hobbies outside of dentistry is a great conversation starter with patients. Having worked at DCP for 10 years this August, many patients ask me how my dog is, what events I’m currently signed up for, how my training is going, etc. It is nice to build rapport with patients and this gives another level of trust within the dentist-patient relationship, as they know me more beyond just being their dentist.

Can you share any memorable moments or experiences where your commitment to fitness directly influenced your performance or mindset in the dental clinic?

When a male colleague needs my assistance with an extraction – that’s pretty rewarding and empowering. I think my determined and resilient mindset (strengthened within my sports) is needed daily in dentistry – there’s always a problem to overcome or an anxious patient to manage.

Find out more about our culture and support network.

We speak to Fiona Sloss, Dental Therapist at Clyde Munro Dental Group, about what the role means to her and how dental therapy skills can be better utilised within the practice.

Could you outline your career so far?

I started working as a Dental Nurse when I was 19 years old, but I wanted to be more hands-on and involved with patient care. I took the online access to higher education diploma and was later accepted by the University of Sheffield to study hygiene and therapy when I was about 21. It was a fantastic course and I couldn’t recommend it enough – there was a practical approach with a lot of emphasis on therapy and we were trained alongside dentists.

I studied during Covid, which brought its own challenges. We could only see a limited number of patients each week, which delayed graduation. I was therefore pleased to find a job in a great practice, which later joined the Clyde Munro group. It meant moving to a small Scottish town, which might not have been the easiest relocation, but my practice colleagues helped me find an Airbnb until I could purchase my own place which was amazing. My family is Scottish so I have spent much time here, and I can’t speak highly enough of the country and the people.

What do you enjoy most about the dental therapist role?

Definitely the patient interaction! I enjoy getting to prevent problems, while also being able to help people out of problems that have already occurred. Seeing patients leave the practice happier than when they arrived is the best.

I also really enjoy the restorative work and in future would like to focus more on the cosmetic side. Between Direct Access and potential incoming changes to the dental hygienist/therapist’s prescribing rights, there are many things we can do – and even more we will be able to do – in these areas. 

How important is the role of dental therapist in practice?

For patients, the dental therapist can help shorten wait times for treatment. My scope of practice is smaller than a dentist’s, but that means I focus specifically on the procedures I do offer. I also usually have more time in appointments to dedicate to prevention and patient education, which is essential for their current and future oral health. Especially when it comes to children, I find I am able to send more time with them than a dentist feasibly could.

From the practice’s perspective, my role as a dental therapist allows the dentists to focus on more advanced treatments. One of the dentists I work with likes to concentrate on implants, for example, so I take on more of the restorative work that his patients need to allow him time for this. That’s where I think the dental therapist can be best utilised in practice – working alongside dentists with a special interest in a specific area. However, the ability to share the workload is useful for many practices, especially given that most are fit to bursting with patients right now!

Why do you think the dental therapist may be under-utilised in practice and across dentistry as a whole?

In many cases, I think dentists aren’t fully aware of what a dental therapist can do. The sooner that dentists understand the dental therapist’s scope, the better. That’s why I believe my university training alongside dentists was so beneficial. Those dentists could see the value of dental therapy for them and their patients from the beginning of their careers.

What is one thing that every practice team can implement to enhance the benefits of a dental therapist?

Communication is essential. I know that I can speak to a dentist whenever I have a query or want to confirm a course of treatment. This ensures continuity of care for the patient and also shows the dentist which areas I am most confident in. This is important for building their trust in my skills – which is the second most important aspect of utilising the skill mix in the practice.

What is it like working with Clyde Munro?

On a day-to-day basis, the practice hasn’t changed since joining Clyde Munro. It’s good to know that high standards are maintained in order to meet expectations across the group, but our clinic was already in a good place. Clyde Munro has helped me introduce the GBT kit into my work, funding and supporting the change of process this required, which I really appreciated. I have been using this now for over a year and patient feedback is incredible!

What are your thoughts on the Dental Therapist Support Programme Clyde Munro offers?

I’m a big believer in this programme. If it had been available when I started at the practice, I would have raced to get involved. It’s providing a level of support that is just not available elsewhere. To have the support of the dentists in your practice echoed by the group on a wider level means a lot. It also provides a great opportunity to meet other dental therapists and hygienists – we’re often the only dental therapist/hygienist in the practice so being able to connect with more professionals in our position is amazing. In addition, Clyde Munro’s Dental Therapist Programme covers useful clinical topics which enhance the skills of newly qualified professionals or offer a valuable refresher for those who have not had a chance to utilise their therapy skills for some time. It’s all about building competence and confidence.

Any final thoughts?

The more we get used to working as a team, and the sooner all professionals become comfortable working together in this way, the better dentistry will be further down the line. For dentists beginning to work with a dental therapist, there is going to be a learning curve, but if you don’t start you won’t ever see the benefits.

Clyde Munro has recently launched a Therapist Programme, designed this to help recently graduated Dental Therapists consolidate and expand their clinical capabilities in a range of relevant areas. To learn more, visit https://careers.clydemunrodental.com/training/therapist-support-programme/

In the modern dental arena, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly having an impact on how dentistry is practised. From the professional workflow to the patient experience, utilising AI-driven technologies affords a myriad of advantages. Clyde Munro understands the crucial role that this plays in helping to improve the quality of patient care delivered, which is why it is investing in its practice facilities. Callum Graham, Clinical Director of  the group, provides some insights into what is available and why…

AI has given us the opportunity to streamline the way that we deliver care to our patients. It helps us to communicate better with patients, showing them radiographic images and clinical photography in ways that help improve their understanding of their oral health and/or their treatment needs. We can also provide digitally-generated images and models of how their teeth will likely look after treatment, before we start. This makes communication easier and helps with effective patient management, diagnostic accuracy and in ensuring patients have the correct information to make informed decisions, a pre-requisite in the consent process.

But it is not only the patient interaction that benefits. A lot of AI is used in the smile design process, allowing clinicians to plan for implants, veneers and crowns, bridgework or dentures more effectively. The software can be utilised to plan these treatments and ensure that the new smile fits in harmoniously with the patient and their expectations. It makes these things a little bit easier and a lot more predictable.

Of course, there are still some challenges that must be navigated to implement AI successfully in the practice. As with any new technology there is a learning curve and introducing AI-assisted workflows requires adaptation from the dental team. Some dentists may feel that it’s taking the clinical decision away from them, but this is absolutely not the case. The software is there to support their decision-making process.

AI-supported workflows are available in different forms at Clyde Munro. Firstly, we use Pearl Second Opinion^® which provides AI-assisted support for clinicians when reporting on radiographs. It highlights potential areas of concern or potential disease which the clinician can correlate with their findings, ensuring that nothing is missed. It helps to save time and the report can be colour co-ordinated and marked to improve the patient’s understanding too. We have received very positive feedback from patients who are blown away by the technology our dentists are using. They appreciate the investment in their care and are typically more interested in and engaged with what the dentist is saying. Treatment acceptance is higher as well, with the AI report validating the dentist’s recommendations.

We also use Dental Monitoring, available throughout Clyde Munro, which supports orthodontic treatment by ensuring that tooth movements are progressing as expected using remote technology. Fewer practice visits are required and any issues are identified as soon as they arise with the weekly upload of progress photos.

I would definitely recommend that colleagues get involved and try AI technology for themselves. It may take some time to get used to it, but it can become a very useful part of the workflow, saving time and making processes more robust.

Regardless of what stage you have reached in your career, Clyde Munro offers all the support and opportunity you need to excel. Contact our team at joinus@clydemunrodental.com to discover the right position for you!